North Carolina is currently gearing up to undertake its largest transportation initiative to date, a substantial project that aims to alleviate the infamous congestion on the Interstate 77 corridor in Charlotte. After receiving crucial support from both the Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Politics
The recent discussions surrounding the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) have sparked considerable controversy within the municipal market. This law, enacted in December 2022, mandates that municipal securities disclosures be reformatted into a machine-readable format. While proponents argue that this could enhance transparency and accessibility to data, many municipal market participants raise serious concerns about
The recent investor conference hosted by Houston Controller Chris Hollins has sparked a heated conflict with Mayor John Whitmire occupying the center stage of this political drama. Mayor Whitmire has raised concerns regarding the integrity of corporate sponsorships for the event, labeling them under a “pay-to-play” framework. This term indicates a potentially unethical practice where
The City of Houston, one of the largest metropolises in the United States, is facing significant fiscal challenges that have become particularly acute due to a series of natural disasters. The need for immediate financial intervention became evident when Texas officials recently allocated state funds to assist Houston with debris clean-up following two severe storms.
As the financial support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) begins to dissipate, cities across the United States are confronted with the dual challenge of maintaining essential services while grappling with burgeoning debt obligations. The post-ARPA landscape requires effective fiscal management strategies that prioritize not only current needs but also future sustainability. The recent
Houston’s municipal landscape has become the stage for a contentious dispute between Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins regarding the ethics surrounding an upcoming investor conference. The allegations of ‘pay-to-play’ practices have ignited discussions about financial transparency, governmental ethics, and the potential repercussions for city leadership. Whitmire’s recent calls for an investigation into
Amidst the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s ongoing recovery from its well-documented financial turmoil, the role of public-private partnerships (P3s) has become increasingly pronounced. The recent move by the Wisconsin-based Public Finance Authority to issue $286.2 million in senior revenue bonds on behalf of Puerto Rico Tollroads, LLC marks a pivotal moment in the revitalization of
In a significant development aimed at enhancing sustainable energy practices, Utah’s Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) is expected to conclude financing for its transition towards cleaner energy sources. The agency is set to execute a $114.6 million power supply revenue bond sale next week, marking a critical step in its ongoing evolution. This move comes in
Amid a critical housing crisis in the United States, advocates for affordable housing are intensifying their efforts, urging the House Committee on Ways and Means to vote on significant legislation aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing units. One of the key components of this advocacy is the expansion of Private Activity Bonds (PABs),
In a noteworthy legal development, a judge in Utah has rendered a proposed constitutional amendment, known as Amendment A, invalid in the lead-up to the November 5 statewide ballot. This amendment aimed to provide more financial flexibility by allowing the state to reallocate excess income tax revenue, traditionally directed towards K-12 public schooling. The decision,